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WWII resistance symbol to be patented?

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 24.07.2012 09:00
One of the most iconic symbols of Poland's wartime resistance may be granted an official patent.

The
The anchor: image - wikipedia

Veterans of the Warsaw Rising, the doomed 1944 Polish insurgency against the Nazi German occupiers, stated at a press conference on Monday that documents have already been sent to Poland's official Patenting Office.

The case concerns the so-called “anchor,” a symbol composed of the letters P and W (Polska Walczaca) most commonly translated as “Fighting Poland” or “Poland Fights.”

The emblem was clandestinely daubed on walls during the Nazi occupation, and it became one of the most potent symbols of the Home Army (AK), the official underground force that was loyal to the Polish government-in-exile in London.

Veteran Andrzej Gladkowski, vice chairman of the Association of Warsaw Insurgents, told Polish Radio that the emblem is being used for inappropriate purposes.

“The symbol is certainly very popular and is used, for example, in commercial or sporting events,” he reflected.

“It appears on mugs and T-shirts, and that is why the Association of Warsaw Insurgents has submitted the relevant documents to the patenting office,” he said.

Wednesday 1 August will mark the 68th anniversary of the Warsaw Rising against the Nazi German occupiers.

Veterans and Catholic groups have already protested against a concert by pop star Madonna at the National Stadium on the anniversary.

However, a compromise has been found, with the American singer agreeing for a short educational film about the insurgency to be screened immediately prior to the concert. (nh)

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